How To Setup And Use Apple Pro Display Xdr

Isn’t the Apple Pro Display XDR brilliant? Well, it looks incomparable and something anyone would appreciate. If you are struggling to set up and use the display, you might use some help with the guide we have created with everything you need to know. Here is a detailed guide that will speed you up on how to set up the display and use all its features.

System Requirements and Compatible Mac models

Before we can head-on with the guide directly, you need to make sure your Mac is compatible with this display and all the system requirements that your laptop needs to be able to use it to its best potential. Here we go.

Compatible Mac Models

Next, we have a list of compatible Mac laptops to run the display to its full potential. Before setting up everything, you can determine if your system is compatible.

MacBook Air – Version 2020 MacBook Pro – 13-inch with M1 MacBook Pro – 13-inch introduced in 2020 with Thunderbolt Ports MacBook Pro – 14-inch introduced in 2021 MacBook Pro – 15-inch introduced in 2018 or later MacBook Pro – 16-inch introduced in 2019 or later MacBook Pro Version 2019 Mac Mini Version 2020 iMac introduced in 2019 or later Mac Studio introduced in 2022

Compatible macOS

You can run the Pro Display XDR with macOS Catalina 10.15.2 or later. Also, make sure your Mac has at least a single Thunderbolt 3 port to make the connection. You can also buy a separate connector if your Mac needs the desired in-built port. Simply purchase it from the official Apple website or any other e-commerce platform.

Refresh Rates

Another interesting feature of this Retina Display is that you can switch between multiple refresh rates available. We will learn how you can do it soon in this guide as you read further. Here are the refresh rates you can choose from.

47.95Hz 48.00Hz 50.00Hz 59.94Hz 60.00Hz

How to Setup Apple Pro Display XDR

In order to set up the Apple Display and get the best results, here are some of the steps you can follow that will make things easier for you. Let us look at them below.

Choose the Right Location

The first aspect you need to look into before attaching the display to the mount is the right location. You might often have difficulty viewing your television or even your system with the lights around you. Since this Apple Display features True Tone technology, it brings dual ambient light sensors on the front and the back to manage the overall lightning around you. Hence, make sure you place the display in a location that does not have any lighting in the front or on the back of your display for the best results. Or else you can turn off the true tone display and the automatic brightness settings.

1. Go to Apple Menu on the top left corner of the desktop
2. Click on System Settings.
3. Open Displays from the left menu option and Choose Pro Display XDR from the options.
4. Turn off True Tone and “Automatically adjust brightness”.

Attach the Stand (Pro or VESA Mount Adapter)

After you have selected the right location to set up your display, you can now head over to attach the stand, which will hardly take minutes or even seconds. You can go with the Pro Stand, or if you have the VESA Mount adapter, you can choose that too. Here is how you can attach the Pro Stand to the display, follow the steps given below.

1. Put the stand on the location you have chosen for the set-up.
2. Now, take the display carefully to the stand and place it on the magnetic connector.
3. Position it properly on the connector, and it will automatically get attached to it. Make sure to check the connection before releasing the display from your hands. To set up the VESA Mount Adapter, you can follow the steps mentioned below. Since this is a mount adapter, you might need to drill it into the wall; hence, you might need some help with it.
4. Place the display on a smooth and flat surface with the display face down.
5. Now, check the pins on the back of the display and the adapter to align correctly.
6. To place the adapter, rotate it in any direction till you hear a click. This will ensure the pins are correctly into place. Also, the lock should be in a vertical position.
7. Take the provided key and turn it clockwise to lock the adapter tightly and securely into place with the display.
8. For confirmation, the lock will be in the horizontal position if everything is done properly as mentioned in the steps above.

Connect The Display With Your Mac

Once your display is properly set up on your table, you can connect the Mac to it. Use the Thunderbolt 3 cable to connect with the Thunderbolt ports on your Display and the Mac. The display will turn on as soon as you connect both devices and you are ready to use it. Likewise, you can now make changes to its refresh rate and brightness and do a lot more as needed.

How to Change Refresh Rate for Professional WorkFlow

As we spoke earlier, this display features multiple refresh rates that you can choose if you are in a professional work environment, such as needed for video editing, designing, and much more. Here is how you can do it.

1. Go to Apple Menu on the top-left corner of the screen.
2. Click on System Preferences and open Displays.
3. Click on the Refresh Rate menu and choose the Refresh Rate that suits you the best. You can do this as often as you need and even change it back when you are done editing or working on your project.

How to Use References Modes with Apple Pro Display XDR

Another interesting feature of the Apple Pro Display XDR is that you can choose different reference modes depending on the work you are doing. The same features are available on your MacBook Pro as well, which allows you to create custom reference modes as well to suit your need. Here is all you can do with these reference modes.

Select the Right Reference Mode

You can open the Apple menu on your system and choose the right reference mode from the list of options available. It could be for anything, such as video editing, designing, and other professions. Here are the steps you can follow to select the right reference mode.

1. Click on the Apple icon on the top-left corner of the screen
2. Choose System Preferences and open Displays.
3. Here, select Apple Pro Display XDR- if you are using the latest Ventura macOS version, select the display at the top of the Displays window. Or else, for other versions, go to Display Settings and choose the right option.
4. Now, in the Preset menu option, choose Reference Mode.

Select the Favourite Reference Mode

To make things easier and instead of going through all the above steps all over again, you can select your favourite reference modes and then access it from the Control Center. Here is what you can do.

1. After selecting the right Display from System Preferences, open the Preset menu.
2. Next, click on Customize Presets.
3. Simply select all the Reference Modes that are your favourite and add them under the Show in Menu column.
4. Click on Done to save the settings.

Create Custom Reference Modes

Under the Preset menu option, you will find all the reference modes that are already available for everyone. However, you can also choose to create custom reference modes from scratch. Make sure you have the right knowledge and skill to create these custom modes for the best results. Here is how you can do it.

1. Go to the Apple menu on the desktop and open System Preferences (System Settings).
2. Now, go to Display and select Presets.
3. Here, click on Customize Presets.
4. Simply click on the + icon and create your reference mode. You can then add this to your favourite modes under the Show in Menu column that will show up in the Control centre likewise.

Import and Export Reference Mode

You can also choose to import any reference mode instead of creating a custom one or, rather export a reference mode from your system. Here is what you can do.

1. Follow the similar steps and open Presets menu.
2. Choose Customize and choose one of the following for Import and Export.

Import: Go to Action Menu, and click on Import. Simply choose the file you are looking to import and select Open. Export: Go to Action Menu, and click on Export. Simply choose the file you are looking to Export and select Save.

How to Clean the Apple Pro Display XDR

After setting the Display and learning all there is to configure the settings, you can now follow some tips to keep the display clean. It is recommended to use a polishing cloth only to clean the nano-textured glass on display. You can get the cloth from the Apple website itself. If at all the dust and smudges on the screen are too difficult to remove, simply add 70 percent isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution to the cloth and wipe the screen gently. Furthermore, to ensure the cloth is clean and lasts longer, make sure to wash the cloth with soap and water and dry it.

Final Words

Here is all you need to know about the Apple Pro Display XDR and how you can set up everything in your office or at home. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully. All the steps here are very easy to carry out, and you may not need any technical help. Furthermore, handle the display properly while attaching it to the stand and make sure it is properly attached to it before letting go.

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